1) Tempus Viatores, you are so to speak one of the historical groups of Italian urbex, could you briefly tell us how your project was born, how you met and what urbex was like a decade or more ago when social media was not an integral part of our lives as it is now. What was “old school” urbex like?
Tempus Viatores was born from the idea of Daniel Joss and Davide Rossetto , met by chance on the net while searching for information about some abandoned villas. After the first outings together where it was already clear that there was a great feeling between the two of them they decided to concretize the bond by founding a group that could be recognized and remembered for the beautiful discoveries they were making. For a short time another boy, John, was also part of it, who then chose to take another path.
Away with him in Stephany and together the trio in a short time under the banner of Tempus Viatores inanella one discovery after another getting noticed in the Italian urbex environment that was still in its embryonic stage restricted to a few passionate people.
2) Could you take us through your very first urbex exploration with you and what is currently the exploration or explorations that most excited you?
Probably when we unknowingly found ourselves inside one of the villas where a historical, almost mythological character, whose identity we unfortunately cannot reveal, had lived. The thrill of leafing through books with his autograph, looking at his working tools, breathing in the same spaces he lived was an indescribable thrill.
3) You are skilled and perhaps even lucky “mappers” having discovered many places that are your “exclusives.” As an urbexer I can imagine them but for those who will read these impressions of yours, could you describe what emotions one can feel to enter a place first after years of neglect… to discover or rather rediscover the wonders hidden behind walls marked by time.
As you well said it takes both skill in the search and luck. But both are necessities as well as the perseverance and persistence that have enabled us to make important discoveries. The beauty of urbex in our opinion is just that: discovery. To enter a place and find it so crystallized and still in time is something magical. It can be the super frescoed mansion or grandma’s house, it doesn’t matter, but to step back 10,20,50 years and imagine when that place was full of life gives indescribable emotions.
4) Do you remember a particularly dangerous exploration… and/or an exploration of yours gone wrong? Can you tell us any curious anecdotes related to your experience?
Danger is always present in every exploration and the pitfall is just around the corner. Even what may seem on the surface to be the most peaceful can turn out to be complicated and vice versa. The advice? Eyes open at all times. And if something goes wrong explain your intentions while remaining calm because remember that you generally always start on the wrong side.
5) Do you want to add more?
Be curious and not envious. If you want to be an explorer use your head and your own research rather than having your head fed to you…you will see that it will be much more satisfying! Happy explorations!
