Where am I now? Can I see the position on the map?
a-DES-so — stress on second syllable. po-si-ZIO-ne — stress on third syllable.
When completely disoriented and needing to establish your current position on a map.
'Dove sono adesso?' (where am I now?) is more urgent than a general direction request. 'Adesso' (now) emphasises the present moment. Showing your phone with Google Maps and asking 'può indicarmi dove siamo?' (can you show me where we are?) is an even more effective approach.
Siamo nel centro storico?
Are we in the historic centre?
Orienting yourself by major zone
Questa è via della Vigna Nuova?
Is this via della Vigna Nuova?
Checking the street name to orient yourself
Che quartiere è questo?
What neighbourhood is this?
Understanding the broader area you're in
Piazza Santa Croce in Florence houses the Basilica of Santa Croce, the burial place of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Italian piazze (squares) are excellent orientation points — they have names, historical context, and are usually identifiable on any map. Learning the main piazze of any Italian city you visit dramatically improves navigation.