The land on which once stood the ancient city of Idalion, is located in this district of Nicosia not far from the city of Dali.

City, there were about three thousand years ago, it was one of the first Cypriot city-states, including nine more such settlements mentioned in the annals of the Assyrian king Esarhaddon, where there were democratic system. Moreover, they even had their own school of arts.

The results are particularly valuable Idalion excavations at the site, it's the fact that they give a clear understanding of the religion and beliefs of the time. The most revered deities in a city considered to Athena and Aphrodite. It was in honor of the latter, and the city was named as one of the names of Aphrodite in Latin sounds like "Idalia". According to legend, in this place, Ares killed her lover Adonis.

Excavations in the area began in the middle of the XIX century, when in 1868 the British explorer Leng stumbled on the ruins of the temple, which has inscriptions on the Cypriot and Phoenician languages. This temple was dedicated to Aphrodite, or, as it was called in Cyprus Vanaze - goddess of the sky. In addition, scientists believe, in the temple and worship her "spouse" Vanaksu - Lord of the animals. In this sanctuary, which, judging by fragments found, was decorated with paintings and stucco, had stone altars, ash pits and vertical stones personifying deities.

Currently on the site of the ancient settlement are still being excavated. To date, there has been found a lot of values ​​that are stored in the museum, located next to the ruins. For example, archaeologists have discovered the terracotta figurines, fragments of dishes and lamps. Particularly noteworthy sculpture - as the limestone from which they were made, is sufficiently soft material, the wizard was able to work out the details amazing figures and faces.

Unfortunately, many have been found in the ruins of Idalion treasures were brought out of the island.