Bruco, the Caterpillar contrada, is Siena's most lively. Way back in 1369, the neighborhood was praised for its bravery in helping to defeat Charles IV of Bohemia. Two years later, its residents led the revolt to replace the city's leaders with a people's government. Because of those two heroic deeds, Bruco is called a contrada nobile, and those who live within its invisible boundaries are mighty proud of their special title. On Palio day, they crowd into their teensy weensy parish church, spilling out in their hundreds onto the sidewalk outside. And although they have the sad distinction of being the contrada that has won the least Palios in the last 900 years, they are proud to exhibit each and every one of their banners in the historic museum on Via del Comune. Just down the street, perched atop an ancient building at the very heart of this authentic Sienese neighborhood is a delightful little getaway apartment that's perfect for one or two people. It is just five minutes' walk from the Campo or the Duomo, and only a few yards away from the escalator that leads down to public parking. The American owner of the apartment completely renovated it in 2001, furnishing it with beautiful antiques and everything you'll need to have a pleasant stay in Siena. The floors are marble or original terracotta, the ceilings are lined with whitewashed wooden beams, and there are ceiling fans in the living room and bedroom. You enter into the small but sunny living room, which has an excellent sofa, and a desk with modem hook-up and stunning view of the red-tiled roofs of the city. An archway leads to the modern kitchen, where you'll find a full fridge/freezer, oven and cooktop, dishwasher, washing machine, microwave oven, cappuccino machine, food processor, mixer, dishes, cutlery and cookware. The bedroom is on the other side of the living room. It has two twins or one double bed, a large wardrobe, cupboards, and telephone. The tiled bathroom has a stall shower, and a window with a clothesline, just like all good Italian homes.