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

The town that existed for about three thousand years ago, was one of the first Cypriot city-States, among nine other similar localities mentioned in the annals of the Assyrian king Esarhaddon, where there was a democratic device. In addition, it even had its own school of art.

What valuable results of excavations at the site of Idalion, it's the fact that give a clear view about religion and the beliefs of the time. The most revered deities in the city was considered Athena and Aphrodite. It is in honor of the past and the city was named as one of the names of Aphrodite, in Latin sounds like "Idalia". According to one legend it is the spot where Ares had killed her beloved Adonis.

Excavations on this site began in the mid XIX century, when in 1868 the British Explorer LEng stumbled upon the ruins of the temple, where preserved inscriptions in the Cypriot and Phoenician languages. This temple was dedicated to Aphrodite, or, as called in Cyprus, Vanize – goddess of the Sky. Furthermore, as scientists believe, the temple is also worshipped her "spouse" Wanaka – the Lord of animals. In this sanctuary, which, to judge by the fragments found were decorated with painted stucco, there was a stone altars, pits for ash and vertical stones, symbolizing deities.

At the moment the site of the ancient settlement are still being excavated. To date, there have already found a lot of values that are stored in the Museum, located next to the ruins. For example, archaeologists have found terracotta figurines, fragments of dishes and lamps. Particularly noteworthy sculptures – as the limestone from which they were made, sufficiently soft material, the masters has been amazing to work out the details of figures and faces.

Unfortunately, many found in the ruins of Idalion treasures were taken out of the island.