Best time of day, for visiting a old, wasted monastery?

Hey all,

I've found a pretty neat (well I think) location close by. It's an old monastery which isn't being used for quite a couple of years now. It's got broken windows, the roof isn't much good anymore as well.

It's quite a hassle to get in though, all doors and windows have been blocked by stones, or by wooden boards. There's a small entrance however, on top of the building.

All electricity is gone, but there is some light getting in because most of the windows from the 1st/2nd floor and up are still open.

Going at night would be the best since you're not allowed to go there... but you'd get crap pictures because there's no light!

What would be the best time of the day to get in? During the day, in the morning/evening?

And, what should I bring except the camera? I Was thinking the 17-85 IS and a tripod?

Cheers.

Definitely bring a tripod. I would say the best time is when the sun isn't high in the sky. It tends to add a hazy effect and such. It would be the best if you could stay there all day and take shots as you see fit when you like the lighting. Thats the most dedicated and best way of doing it.

If you went at night or right after the sun set, you could always do some long exposures and they shots wouldn't be crappy at all. I loved my 17-85 before i got my 24-105 4.0L so I would definitely recommend it. When doing long exposures make sure to do mirror lockup and set the shooting mode to timer, or if you have a remote, set mirror lockup and use remote. This prevents shake.

Good luck man.