When I went to Rome, there were so many piazzas that it was hard to find the exact one, so I had the bright idea to go ask a police officer. It's not a very good idea and I wouldn't waste your time because most of them don't know english. They just looked at me like i was crazy. Now, a lot of the shop owners or just italian citizens know english. Just be polite and go ask one because they're really friendly and always willing to help.

I agree! When we were in Rome last summer we made the same mistake. Not only did the police look at us like we were crazy, they wouldn't even look at a tour book to see what we were trying to ask. We found Rome to be the most unfriendly and unhelpful city of the 7 major cities we visited, although that didn't stop us from appreciating the beauty. The friendliest??? Paris! Who knew!

I guess we were very lucky then. My 10 yr old daughter and I went in March 2007 for 10days and we were total rookies. My first trip abroad with her was a blast. We bought a Rome travel book (small enough to fit into the back pocket of my Levi's) and when we did have a question, we usually asked the polizia first. Sometimes they did not speak enough or any English, but if you asked in broken Italian the name of the piazza, they generally could point you in the right direction. I tried to remember the phrases for streets, north-south, etc and then left, right, straight. I found them very helpful, but maybe it was because my girl was looking pitifully lost?? Anyways, just my opinion.

I must agree that the polizia were of very little help. Even if you are lucky enough to find an English speaker,they more often than not give the wrong directions! Better to ask a passerby on the streets. You will be much more successful.Enjoy your trips. It is absolutely beautiful!