Embassy
Plain English
It's an Italian embassy abroad (or a foreign embassy in Italy). They handle diplomatic relations, services for citizens of the represented country, and certain consular acts. Embassies are in capital cities. Day-to-day visa and document services usually sit at consulates instead.
Why it matters
Before you fly to Italy on a long-stay visa, the actual visa is issued by an Italian consulate or embassy in your country. Once in Italy, your own country\'s embassy is where you go for things like passport renewal or official statements.
Real example
"After her passport was stolen on a trip to Salerno, Adaeze had to take the train to the Nigerian embassy in Rome to apply for an emergency travel document."
Common confusion
Embassies and consulates aren\'t the same. Embassies are usually in capitals and handle diplomatic relations. Consulates are spread across more cities and handle most personal paperwork.
Official source
Ministero degli Affari Esteri