Italy property hunters may like to consider a home in one of Italy’s "hidden treasures".

The Guardian reports Ferrara is as history-rich as the neighbouring city of Florence, yet has none of the coach parties that can overwhelm the popular tourist hot spot.

House hunters will find themselves inside "a well-nigh perfectly preserved medieval and Renaissance city, with barely a car or a tourist to be seen" just an hour-and-a-half bus ride from Florence.

Other local areas of historical beauty include Mantua, Verona and Padua.

Ferrara is host to several churches, cloisters and convents which add a spiritual air to the town.

Author Sarah Dunant was visiting the town and in particular the convents to research her new novel.

She recommended visiting the 17 elderly nuns of Corpus Domini to be guided through the inner workings of the convent and listen to them sing public vespers.

In 1995, Ferrara was added to the UNESCO world heritage list.

Visit Rightmove Overseas for the best selection of Italy property. Stop dreaming, start searching!