This is a fairly extensive settlement of caves used by hermits

Refuge 3

Is formed by two very small cells closed by a dry-stone wall. Below, on the 2 m wide ledge, is found another room built up against the rock face, in which there was a series of holes for wooden beams relating to the single pitched roof and the structure’s pavement. Other holes seem to relate to a structure south of the building, perhaps with a portico, whilst the holes to the north of the room were probably used for wooden scaffolding which held up a wooden platform which could be reached by stairs of a ladder. Outside the structure a hearth was uncovered datable to the 5th century on the basis of the finds.

Refuge 4
At the south eastern limit of the rock face a large refuge formed by a series of five consecutive ledges was identified. Of the five ledges, the second and third (called respectively 4b and 4c) present traces of structures. On ledge 4b are the remains of a wall bonded with mortar and the impressions of horizontal beams on the floor. On ledge 4c there are only the impressions of horizontal beams. There is no evidence attesting occupation or function on the other three ledges: in the lower one (4a) there is a fairly deep deposit of earth which may conceal possible structures, whilst on the upper ones (4d, 4e) the sparse vegetation does not seem to hide any traces of occupation.

Ledge 4b
This has the impression of a horizontal beam, whilst in the centre, a standing stretch of wall is conserved, built with stones of from local rock and two large cobbles bonded with sparse but strong mortar. Up hill, the impression of a vertical post which acted as a door jamb, indicates the position of the door. Outside the cell a layer of ash and charcoal produced fragments of coarse pottery and a few bones.

Ledge 4c
Divided into two zones with different functions: a space open towards the west and a cell of circa 7m2 on the opposite side, created by closing off the front of the cave with wooden walls. The walls are attested by the impressions left in the rock by horizontal wooden beams and the holes for the vertical beams; the floor was wooden. (Gian Pietro Brogiolo)