Abandoned Places in Italy

In his new book, photographer Henk Van Rensbergen documents derelict buildings, deserted houses and forgotten fair grounds around the world. In Italy, he discovers abandoned villas, small castles, hospitals and churches. 'With the whole urbex (urban exploration) scene picking up, there was a lot of new but confidential information available,' he says. 'Some of it has now been leaked, but when I was there most of these places felt untouched for decades.' Gaining access was the difficult bit. 'Occasionally I got permission. Often the place was so clearly left alone that there was no point in even trying to find anyone who could care about me entering.'

'Abandoned Places' by Henk Van Rensbergen is out now (€45; Lannoo)