Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Plain English
It's the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, often called "la Farnesina" after the palace in Rome where it sits. It runs the network of consulates and embassies and oversees the visa system.
Why it matters
Visas, dichiarazioni di valore, and many AIRE-related services come out of this ministry. Their visa portal is the entry point for visa info.
Official source
Ministero degli Affari Esteri