Archaeological Museum of Ancient Idalion — Attraction in Dali

Jedno od historijskih znamenitosti za obići na Kipru. Ulaz 2.5 eura.

The Local Museum of Ancient Idalion was founded in 2007 with the aim to promote the rich finds of the region of Idalion (Dali), and later to function as a Visitor Centre for the archaeological site in which it is located.

The exhibits of the museum represent all the chronological phases of the history of Idalion and come from both the old and the more recent excavations of the area of the ancient city, from both settlements and cemeteries.

The first exhibition hall includes information on the history of the site and its excavation, along with photographs of the most important finds that are now housed in museums abroad. It also showcases various other exhibits. The second gallery exhibits inscriptions that bear witness to the conquest of the kingdom, as well as a part of the archive of the Phoenician administration of the city. Funerary monuments, pottery types and objects of daily use of all periods, imported pottery types and typical examples of clay and stone statuary are also showcased.

According to legend, Dali is where Adonis - Aphrodite’s lover - was killed by her jealous lover Aris, the Olympian God of War.

The region is linked with the Aphrodite...

An essential visit for any history enthusiast.

The artifacts are well preserved. The rooms are well mapped and labeled. It's called Ancient Idalion. It's free. The security guard was very friendly and helpful.

It has an app with a map and some text you can read. Very useful.

If you want, you can walk all the way to the top of the hill where the Idalium acropolis used to be. It has an amazing view. It is well worth the climb. A wonderful breeze and a breathtaking view.

There is a very interesting mixture of rocks here, with different colours and textures. If you are a geologist and like looking at rocks, you'll love this place. If you like history, you'll love this place.

But be careful, although it was late September when I visited, there was a slight humidity in the air that attracted quite a number of red hornets, especially around the old olive oil rooms.

Overall...

A rather small museum with findings dating back thousands of years B.C. and plenty of written information regarding one of the most ancient kingdoms of Cyprus. There is even a film you can watch in the entrance hall, reciting the island's history, first inhabitants and its conquerors up to the late twentieth century decades. There are a lot of artifacts on display but taking photographs of these exhibits is not allowed for the time being....