The curved outer walls rise up from the Roman streets, their strong arches framed by decorative columns. Steeped in violent history, theatrical pageantry, and the hot sun, setting eyes on the Colosseum makes for a lifetime of priceless memories.
For two weeks, The Right Hook and MasterCard will run an on-air competition, with each contestant asked to name seven items within an allotted time from a chosen category. The successful few will progress to a finale so grand it rivals the canyon, with two listeners qualifying every day.
And that’s when the real battle commences – with the 20 finalists battling it out in a Where in the World-style contest – with the winner earning the chance to create some priceless memories you’ll never forget.
Much like how the Colosseum has never forgotten its barbaric past. Standing in its centre, it’s easy to call to mind the chained animals and fearless gladiators waiting in the hypogeum, the underground vaults, for combat to begin. They would emerge onto the stadium’s wooden floors – which were covered in sand to soak up their blood. The roar of the crowd waiting impatiently for the sport to start, sitting under the huge canvas awning that sheltered them from the sun.
Despite its colossal size, it’s funny today to think that by Roman standards, the Colosseum was relatively intimate. Compared to the Circo Massimo, which had the capacity of more than 250,000, the Colosseum was beloved for allowing patrons the chance to see things up close.
Abandoned after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th Century, the building was pillaged for its decorative marble and centuries of pollution. But now, after considerable restoration, it is an unmissable stop any trip to the Italian capital. And with your MasterCard to hand, why not visit it while skipping the queue? By purchasing tickets online with a MasterCard, you get guaranteed fast track access to the Colosseum, with a special 10% discount on the ticket price, guaranteeing a truly priceless memory.
There is so much to see and do in Rome, not to mention the Italian cuisine you’ll never forget. Armed with your MasterCard, you’ll be zipping around town like a local.
Where to Stay:
- Hotel Lord Byron (MasterCard holders get a 5% discount and automatic upgrade)
- Hotel D’Inghilterra
- Hotel Donna Camilla Savelli
- The First Luxury Art Hotel
- Babuino 181
Where to Play:
- Visit the Colosseum with no queue and an official tour guide
- Tour the Imperial Forums – MasterCard holders pay €15 and get one free guest
- A free visit of the Valentini Palace – MasterCard holders can tour the architectural layers and topographical structures beneath the palace
- Trevi Fountain – Experience your own dolce vita with Rome’s iconic and flamboyant fountain. Be sure to bring some coins, as it’s not advised to toss your MasterCard in
- Capitoline Museums – The world’s oldest public museum features a collection of many iconic classic statues and works by world famous artists
Where to Eat:
- Restaurant Agata e Romeo – A truly priceless experience, the passion and desire of this Michelin-starred restaurant cannot be missed
- Aroma – Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio offers diners an unforgettable experience, with a perfect view of the Colosseum
- Pierluigi Restaurant – An institution in Rome since it was founded in 1938, some MasterCard holders can avail of a free dessert
- La Rosetta – A shining example of sumptuous Sicilian cuisine, Massimo Riccioli has created a haven for seafood lovers in the heart of cosmopolitan Rome
- Ristorante Camponeschi – A perfect mix of elegance and sophistication, some MasterCard holders can avail of a complimentary bottle of wine while the choose from an extraordinarily creative menu
With thanks to MasterCard and Newstalk
