Nestled between Via Serbelloni, Via Mozart, Via Cappuccini, and Via Vivaio lies the Quadrilatero del Silenzio (The Silent Quarter), so called for being a veritable small, silent, and secret world away from the chaotic Porta Venezia district. The area, now characterized by statues, sculptures (notably Adolfo Wildt’s precious ear listening to the city’s heart at Via Serbelloni 10), mosaics, and hidden gardens such as the famous Villa Invernizzi with the pink flamingos – visible from the street with a bit of attention – was just countryside until around 1870. The prestigious Villa Necchi Campiglio is also within this enclave.
The building at Via Gioacchino Rossini 3 – home not only to ERA Gallery but also to the Parisian Ciaccia Levi, the Swiss Galerie Gregor Staiger, and Conceptual Fine Arts – is a striking example of eclectic architecture. Its façade and interiors reflect the rich decorative language of the late 19th century, blending historical references with ornamental variety. The romantic courtyard, characterized by monolithic Candoglia marble columns, Bramantesque candelabra, and other cylindrical columns with different capitals supporting arches, creates an intimate and almost theatrical atmosphere for the galleries hosted within.