The ancient Syrian city of Palmyra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the country's most important archeological locations. A lot of its ancient treasures were destroyed by the Islamic State group after it captured the city last May.

During the ten month control under ISIL, many of the ancient city's relics were destroyed. The Temple of Bel once formed the center of religious life in ancient Palmyra, and was the best-preserved relic in the city. Now it's gone, brought down by ISIL explosives in last August. Only the arched main entrance into the temple survived the bombings.

Another landmark -- the Arch of Triumph -- was also destroyed to ruins. The 1,800-year-old monumental arch framed the approach to the Roman city.

Although the Syrian government has said it will repair the destroyed relics, it is definitely not an easy task. 

Less than a mile away, the modern-day district has been completely deserted. Traces of fighting could be seen everywhere.

After retaking Palmyra last month, the Syrian army has been working on dismantling explosives.

"As you can see, they planted two to three mines together every 100 meters. The mines were laid to impede the advance of the government forces," said Munzer, commander of Syrian army.

Officers said they have so far detonated 500 mines, and it is unknown how many are still left undiscovered.