Photos show the Roman ruins of Baftamoun and caves that served as bomb shelters

It was a popular tourist destination before the war

The ancient Roman ruins of Baftamoun in the countryside of Idlib, north-western Syria. All photos: Moawia Atrash for The National

The village is rich in Roman wells, ancient cemeteries and a network of caves

Baftamoun is a remote village that was bombed in Syria’s civil war

The village was a destination for tourists, especially from France, before the conflict

Ancient statues are carved into the rock

Hassan Al Essa points out ancient writings on the wall of the cave

Majed Abdel Qader takes a selfie at the entrance to one of the ancient caves

There are about 25 ancient caves in Baftamoun

An ancient water cistern in the mountains. As well as being bombed, Baftamoun, once a magnet for tourism, has fallen on hard times

Ancient statues provide a reminder of the area's rich history

Roman figures are carved into the mountainsides surrounding the village

Children play in a clearing in front of the ruins

Residents sought shelter in the caves during bombing in the war

There are more than 350 Roman wells in Baftamoun

Children regularly visit the area to play but residents hope tourists will start coming back

Ahmed Hilal tells the National: 'We were in the village hiding inside these caves for several years during the bombing'

Relative peace has now settled upon Baftamoun

Will the ancient network of caves lure the tourists once more?

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