Urban exploring, also known as urbexing, is the practice of exploring abandoned buildings to see how decay and age have taken hold. This controversial pastime is something special, in that moment, there are no pressing outside issues, no worries about your future, no drama, just you and the uncaring structures.

The history of urbexing started with people in 19th-century Paris exploring the underground catacomb network illegally. Seeking thrills or buried riches, many people deemed this the first example of proper urban exploring. Fast forward to the 1970s, and a San Francisco group known as the Suicide Club pioneered the recreational exploration of abandoned, often condemned structures. With the rise of social media, many people have discovered the appeal of abandoned structures left to rot.

With the brief history out of the way, I should say you should explore any places near you because it comes with risks, and in some places, illegal. However, if you end up going somewhere, you will see urban beauty, towering monoliths, symbols of human power, rotting. These structures symbolize the fragility of humanity, how no matter how strong we build something, nature will always reclaim it.

Urban exploration is not crime for the sake of crime, it is documenting our existence. Living through history, and seeing how nature reclaims all it finds. Thousands of people connect in a giant community to rediscover the remnants that people have left behind. Imagine being an alien discovering the remains of a civilization.

If you do end up going, take precautions: make sure you bring a friend, first aid, and a dust mask. Most abandoned buildings have toxic dust or similar buildup inside, making excursions without proper PPE dangerous and deadly (and don’t forget illegal). Depending on the area, security, and many other threats remain omnipresent. The simple exploration usually turns into a stealthy entrance with a dramatic escape.

And whether or not you go, we can all appreciate the photos that explorers bring back.