The Cave: Artzaintzulo (The Shepherd's Shelter)
This is the only room in contact with the surface, as this is where we find the only entrance to the cave. The enormous size of the cave mouth means that the light and wind have a direct influence on the chamber. The chamber is also very spacious. There are only a few geological formations in this area, on the ceiling and to the left of the room. They are fairly dry and have taken on a greyish-white hue. No water flows over them and they aren't growing at all. The difference between these formations and those of the lower chambers is quite clear, as the latter are continuously growing. The name of both the chamber, Artzainzulo, and of the cave itself (Men--dukilo or Mountain Refuge), come from the purpose for which the locals used It. Archaeological remains found in Artzainzulo show that shepherds used the chamber as a mountain refuge from at least 900 B.C.
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