A Cool Place to Visit as an Europa Park Azubi/Apprentice: Milan, Italy

Travelling in Europe is an endeavour that we encourage all our young African fellows who have found an opportunity to work, stay or visit Europe. Apart from travelling for leisure, we also applaud travelling for research, as Europe can show us the business opportunities we may introduce to our African markets. This travel is no different.

On the 2nd of May, X-Factored Youth’s First Lady surprised us with a trip to Milan to explore the great history of the city, as well as the modern day stigma around the city – The fact that it is the fashion capital of the world. Upon arrival we were blown away by how their train station looked with most of the well known brands with stores in right inside the train station, which meant that you probably did not have to leave the train station to begin with.

Castello Sforzesco is one of Milan’s most iconic historical landmarks, originally built in the 15th century by the powerful Sforza family. The massive fortress once served as both a military stronghold and a royal residence, symbolizing the political and cultural influence of Milan during the Renaissance period. Over the centuries, the castle was damaged, rebuilt, and transformed into a center of art and history.

Today, the castle houses several museums and collections featuring Renaissance art, ancient musical instruments, archaeological artifacts, and works connected to artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, who contributed to parts of its decoration. Surrounded by beautiful courtyards and the expansive Parco Sempione, Castello Sforzesco remains a place where visitors can experience the rich artistic and historical heritage of Milan.

Arco della Pace

The Arco della Pace is one of Milan’s most iconic monuments, located at the edge of Parco Sempione. Built in the early 19th century, the neoclassical arch was originally commissioned during Napoleon’s rule and later completed under Austrian leadership. Today, it symbolizes peace and serves as a popular gathering place surrounded by cafés, nightlife, and views toward the historic center of Milan.

The most famous “Leonardo da Vinci Museum” is usually the Leonardo Museum in Milan. It is an interactive museum dedicated to the life, inventions, and art of Leonardo da Vinci. Visitors can explore working models of his machines, digital reconstructions of his paintings, and hands-on exhibits showing how his engineering ideas worked.

Another major museum is the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci, Italy’s largest science and technology museum. It features Leonardo-inspired machines alongside exhibits on transport, astronomy, energy, submarines, airplanes, and historic scientific instruments.

These museums are popular because they make Leonardo’s ideas feel practical and alive, not just historical. Many displays are interactive, so visitors can see how Renaissance engineering influenced modern technology.

Milan is definitely a city worth exploring while you are an Azubi at Europa-Park or anywhere else in southern Germany. The experiences, perspectives, and lessons gained during the trip will continue to reveal their value over the coming years. That is the true beauty of travelling as it broadens your understanding of the world while shaping your personal and professional growth.