With its breathtaking ancient cities and stunning coastline, Italy is a country of effortless beauty. It's no wonder, then, that this European gem offers some truly superb real estate to boot! From ancient architecture to wow-factor vistas, we've rounded up some of the most exquisite homes on the Italian property market right now. Let's step inside...

This elegant Italian property is an extremely rare find on the real estate market. Lying on a quiet canal in central Venice, the spectacular home is a Piano Nobile apartment that occupies the main floor of this classic Renaissance building.

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Known as Drapier, or The Cloth Maker, the stunning city apartment is for sale with Savills for £2.2 million ($2.8m). Though the interior has been beautifully modernised, it still has all the details you'd expect from Venetian real estate, including terrazzo flooring, wooden beamed ceilings and Juliet balconies – as well as stunning canal views from almost every window.

Offering 2,583 square feet of interior space, the historic property includes two bedrooms and two bathrooms, plus several striking reception rooms. The dramatic main living area has 18-foot-high ceilings and three French windows that flood the space with light.

The pad's spacious master suite overlooks the iconic Rio del Trapolin canal and features two attractive Juliet balconies – ideal for a mid-morning espresso in the sun. We can't think of a better place to wake up every morning, can you?

For sale with Prestigious Property for £3.6 million ($4.7m), this characterful and historic waterfront home has a generous eight bedrooms and 1.5 acres of land. Even better though is the property's location in the heart of the Italian Riviera, within the highly sought-after village of Portofino.

The home benefits from some of the most stunning vistas in the area, stretching over Cervara Abbey and Bonomi Bolchini Castle. Nestled on the hillside, every window in the house looks down over Rapallo's blissful shoreline. The estate comes with numerous panoramic terraces, as well as a substantial private park filled with Mediterranean foliage and fruit trees.

Inside, swathes of glazing create spacious, light-filled living spaces. The 8,000-square-foot interior is ripe for a contemporary facelift, but the natural tiled floors and domed windows provide plenty of authentic Italian character.

Entirely private and ideal for A-listers seeking a tranquil place to unwind, the villa can be accessed via an elevator that runs straight through the cliffside where the home sits. The estate also has a large eight-car garage and there's no shortage of space to install an outdoor swimming pool in the grounds.

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Currently listed with Knight Frank, this stunning 16th-century villa lies just six miles from the centre of stunning Lucca, Tuscany. The charming Renaissance city is known for its well-preserved ancient walls and idyllic cobblestone streets, as well as the tranquil views over the Serchio river.

Inside, the historic estate offers 12 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms over 5,381 square feet of space. In the four-bedroom main villa, each room is filled with gorgeous period features, including terracotta tiled floors, rustic stonework, traditional timber beams and marble door surrounds. The ground floor is also home to four reception rooms and a striking kitchen that opens onto a conservatory, terrace and breakfast room.

Every window looks out onto the property's 42-acre grounds, which include two swimming pools, three cottages and a large organic olive grove. If that wasn't enough, there's also a series of wine cellars and storage rooms for olive oil. The self-contained cottages are set in their own romantic gardens and offer a further eight bedrooms and bathrooms between them, giving you plenty of bang for your buck.

The estate also benefits from this idyllic dining veranda. Imagine waking up every morning to these mesmerizing vistas! If you have £4.3 million ($5.5m) in your pocket, then this dreamy Tuscan property could be all yours.

This incredible and extensive estate is one for wine lovers! Located in the heart of Tuscany's renowned wine region, Chianti, the luxury villa is enclosed by grapes vines and benefits from a stunning hillside position, offering 65,000 square feet of landscaped gardens, as well as an infinity pool with winery views.

The property was once a terracotta factory, but following a sensitive restoration and conversion, it's now a contemporary house, where original architectural details meet modern decor. From authentic stonework to timber ceilings and floors, the house offers a slice of rustic, Mediterranean living.

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With five bedrooms and six bathrooms, the unique dwelling covers two storeys and almost 9,000 square feet. Frameless floor-to-ceiling windows and high ceilings make for light and bright rooms, many of which open out onto the home's numerous covered terraces, where stunning views of the Chianti hills can be enjoyed.

As well as a wine cellar, a separate guest apartment, an underground garage and an amphitheatre, the listing also includes the neighbouring sculpture park which featured in National Geographic's list of the 10 most beautiful parks in the world. More than 10,000 people visit the park annually, offering a fantastic business opportunity to the lucky new owner. The historic estate is listed with Savills for £5.2 million ($6.6m).

On the market with Sotheby's International Realty with a price tag of £7 million ($8.9m), this early 20th-century villa has everything – a grand facade, a stunning interior and unobstructed views over glistening Lake Maggiore.

The property's splendid 15,000-square-foot interior is elegant and stylish, with original fireplaces, natural wood flooring and striking marble bathrooms – of which there are eight. Modern and yet in keeping with its origins, the stunning house dates back to the early 1900s and features eight bedrooms, a large kitchen, pantry, study and wellness spa.

Great for entertaining, the home's billiard room is decked out with marble flooring and an ornate light pendant. Many of the estate's light-filled rooms provide direct access to a tranquil flowered terrace, which is the perfect spot to soak up the breathtaking scenery.

The villa's glorious two-acre grounds include a centuries-old park full of mature trees, as well as a swimming pool and solarium. For your money, you'll also gain an outdoor kitchen and dining area, while a separate outbuilding contains a cosy farmhouse for guests.

If you prefer something a little more contemporary, then check out this luxe waterside dwelling on the Italian island of Sardinia. The bespoke self-build home lies in the tranquil village of Porto Pozzo in Olbia-Tempio and is a true masterpiece of modern architecture.

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Built directly into the cliff overlooking the ocean, the stunning one-of-a-kind property offers 4,660 square feet of interior space. The home's exterior offers a spacious barbecue area, a swimming pool, sundeck and manicured garden, as well as direct access to the beach. There's also a small marina for private boat use. What more could you want?

Inside, the property offers five bedrooms and five bathrooms as well as stunning interior design and the latest modern conveniences and smart home gadgets. The home's palette of neutral shades, wooden accents and natural stone cleverly mimics the coastal landscape outside.

Floor-to-ceiling glass doors recess back into the walls, connecting the interior living areas with the garden and drawing the mesmerizing ocean views inside. The home's striking kitchen offers direct access to an outside dining space, the perfect spot for a morning coffee or a glass of vino in the evening. If this sounds like your dream home, it's currently for sale with Sotheby's International Realty for £7.5 million ($9.5m).

One of the most incredible properties currently on the market in Italy, this grand 15th-century estate benefits from an unrivalled position, nestled in the rolling Tuscan hillside of Lucca.

As well as 270 acres of manicured gardens, the ancient villa offers a characterful interior that combines modern design with period details. From oversized fireplaces to original beamed ceilings and rustic stone walls, every inch of the property oozes Tuscan charm.

Ornate windows with sea views are found in each room, while elegant stone cornices add a heritage touch to the living spaces. The property is spread out over five grand floors and boasts five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, plus a billiard room, a spacious kitchen with an adjoining pantry and a refrigerated cellar – the perfect spot for storing local wines!

Outside, the estate contains a large farm, several rural outbuildings and rolling olive groves. An outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzi offer the ultimate in relaxation, while residents can make a quick getaway thanks to the home's private helipad. The spectacular estate is currently on the market with Knight Frank for £7.5 million ($9.5m) and we think it's worth every penny!

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Located in the medieval town of Gubbio, this esteemed estate offers bags of room, both indoors and out. With 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, the property covers almost 13,000 square feet of luxury living space.

The spectacular Art Nouveau villa sits atop Monte Folone and boasts 360-degree views over the Umbrian hills. Available through Sotheby's International Realty, the swish property is listed for £8.8 million ($11m) and comes with two swimming pools, a panoramic roof garden and a tennis court.

Following a meticulous restoration, the house offers a sublime interior that's ideal for contemporary living. The decor blends a black and white palette with natural wood accents and decorative windows. The grand villa covers four floors and even offers a basement and an outdoor terrace too.

Yet, the property's most wow-factor feature is its stunning indoor spa area which includes a partially-covered swimming pool. You can soak up the Mediterranean rays while you bathe, or if the weather takes a turn you can take a few laps indoors.

Positioned on the hillside overlooking the waters of Lake Como, this palatial property offers character, space and history in abundance. Dating back to 1920, the house is split over three floors and measure almost 13,000 square feet.

Inside, the home boasts luxe decor throughout its nine bedrooms and six bathrooms. The finest materials were used to finish the dwelling, with ornate fireplaces and marble floors oozing sophistication. Extensive glazing allows for gorgeous views over the surrounding landscape and there's also a converted basement, elevator access to each floor, attic space and a state-of-the-art alarm system.

Positioned just a 10-minute drive away from the city of Como, this truly impressive property comes with an even more impressive price tag. Listed with Prestigious Property, you can call this villa home sweet home for a mere £13.2 million ($17.1m).

As well as a lavish interior, the estate also boasts a staff annex, two guest villas, a swimming pool, a tennis court and over six acres of mature parkland, designed by the famous landscape architect Pietro Porcinai. Plus, with endless views of Lake Como, the garden is the only place you'll want to spend your time.

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Known as The Palazzetto, this historic property lies in Italy's capital, Rome. Dating back to the mid-1500s, the building was designed by Giacomo Della Porta, one of the country's most important architects. Currently for sale with Christie's International Real Estate, the historic dwelling was converted in 2018 and is home to three luxury apartments, each with its own private entrance. If you have £31 million ($39m) in the bank, this glamorous building could be yours!

The first apartment is known as The Garden Suite, thanks to its stunning private courtyard. The apartment covers 3,789 square feet and extends over three levels, offering three bedrooms, three bathrooms and stunning 19th-century walnut ceilings. The second apartment, the Ambassador Suite, measures 3,506 square feet and has numerous balconies overlooking the city, as well as a small private chapel.

The final property, the 1,700-square-foot Executive Suite, comes complete with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and views of the Piazza Campitelli. Our favourite feature though is the stunning rooftop terrace, offering 360-degree views across the city. The lucky residents of this building will also gain access to a state-of-the-art fitness centre and spa.

In total, this Renaissance mega-mansion comes with over 17,362 square feet of historic space, including 11 bedrooms, 15.5 bathrooms, three kitchens, a 1,852-square-foot secret garden, a 2,023-square-foot garret and four private parking spaces. Now that £31 million ($39m) asking price isn't sounding so bad, is it?

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