This winter marks the third in the Syrian civil war, which has resulted in a death toll of over 120,000, while millions of others have been forced to flee their homes. The regime of Bashar Al-Assad – who this summer flirted with international military intervention after being accused of using chemical weapons against civilians – has clung to power despite staunch opposition from “rebel” forces.

While Syrians are war-weary and parts of the country have been ravaged by fighting, hope for stability remains. Take a break from the bleak headlines and take a look at these photos from around the country for a reminder of Syria’s breathtaking beauty.

Citadel of Salah El-Din (Source)

Tartous (Source)

Tartous

Castle of Qal’at Ja’bar (Source)

Tetrapylon, Palmyra (Source)

Mastha Al-Hilo, Tartous (Source)

Marjeh Square, Damascus (Source)

Lebanon-Syria Border (Source)

Lattakia (Source)

Lattakia (Source)

Lattakia (Source)

Lattakia (Source)

Lattakia (Source)

‘Freedom Graffiti’ by Tammam Azzam – Gustav Klimt’s ‘The Kiss’ on a war-torn building (Source)

Jableh (Source)

Homs Castle (Source)

Hama water wheels (Source)

Hama (Source)

Damascus (Source)

Overlooking Damascus from Qasioun Mountain (Source)

Damascus (Source)

Damascus (Source)

Damascus (Source)

Damascus (Source)

Damascus (Source)

Damascus (Source)

Bosra (Source)

Aleppo Citadel (Source)

Aleppo (Source)

Aleppo (Source)

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