The shelter of Biarzo was discovered by some cavers in 1976 and later, in 1982, a campaign of excavations brought to light remains dating from a period between Upper Paleolithic and Mesolithic (approximately 13000-10000 BC). At that time the cave was much larger than at present and was used during the bad season, from prehistoric hunters and gatherers, who, over the winter, returning to migrate to alpine pastures. Inside the shelter were found many flint tools, bone harpoons, jewelry, and especially the remains of prey of which fed the inhabitants of the cave. The many animal bones found, offering a glimpse of the fauna of the Valleys of Natisone of about 12,000 years ago, consists primarily of deer, ibex and wild boar. Only a few traces of fish caught, perhaps because the nearby river Natisone were not there or because the shelter was probably attended only during the coldest months, so bad for fishing. By analyzing the remains of more recent earth layer, 8000-6000 BC, we note the disappearance of the bones of ibex, with a significant increase in those deer as well as traces of the fish. This confirm a progressive climate change, to temperatures less cold, and also an use of the shelter during the summer months, during which it was certainly easier to go fishing. Regarding the vegetation, the pollen analysis conducted, defines a very cold and dry climate, as it mainly dominated by herbaceous plants with a strong presence of mountain pine. (12000 years ago) In later times, always as a result of climate change, there was the spread of plants such as juniper, hazel, linden, elm, hornbeam and birch, of which traces were found. The small cavern was later abandoned (about 6000-7000 years ago), probably due to the collapse of the roof, through which so, these ancient relics have been preserved. The shelter of Biarzo is considered one of the most significant site in all of North Italy, because it presents a wonderful earth layers sequence and also because there were discovered the oldest tools in a transparent quartz, called "Crystal of Rocca". It's really a sin that this archeological site is little unknown, even by the inhabitants of the Valley of Natisone. I heard however that as soon is proposed to clean the access trail to the shelter, clean also the outside area, and will be installed new panels with more and complete descriptions. I hope that this photographic material published by me, could contribute to the appreciation of this place, where, 13000 years ago, lived the first inhabitants of the Valley of Natisone.

Best thank to Antonio Guerreschi, professor of paleontology at the University of Ferrara, writer of "The prehistoric site of the shelter of Biarzo" for his courtesy and for giving me permission to publish part of his photographic material.

Speaking about Biarzo I want remember Dante Massera, a great friend and accomplice in my first visits to the cavern. Ciao Mass.