Stanley Tucci in Abruzzo: Discovering Italy’s Best-Kept Secret
A behind-the-scenes look at where Stanley Tucci explored, what he ate, and why Abruzzo finally gets its moment in the spotlight.
If you’ve ever dreamed of finding a place in Italy that feels untouched, authentic, and wildly beautiful, then Stanley Tucci’s latest journey might be your new travel blueprint. In his newest season of Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy (now airing on Disney+ under the revamped title Tucci in Italy), Tucci shines a long-overdue spotlight on the stunning region of Abruzzo.
For many, this marks the first time the region has been showcased in such intimate and vibrant detail on mainstream media. And let us tell you: it won’t disappoint.
Why “Stanley Tucci in Abruzzo” is a Big Deal
For decades, Abruzzo has quietly stood in the shadow of Italy’s more touristy destinations – think Tuscany, Venice, or the Amalfi Coast. But that’s exactly what makes it special. Tucci’s heartfelt exploration of this region not only showcases its soulful food and jaw-dropping landscapes but also highlights its tight-knit communities and rich cultural history.
Seeing Stanley Tucci in Abruzzo is like being invited into a secret that the locals have lovingly kept for generations.
Let’s dive into the places Tucci visited, what he experienced, and why this episode feels like a love letter to Abruzzo, and maybe even a nudge for you to start planning your visit.
The Places Stanley Tucci Visited in Abruzzo
1. Mucciante Refuge – Gran Sasso National Park
At a breathtaking 1,600 meters above sea level, Stanley Tucci visits the iconic Rifugio Mucciante in the heart of the Gran Sasso mountains. Here, he grills arrosticini – traditional skewers of mutton that are quintessentially Abruzzese.
Why it’s special:
- Grilling arrosticini in the open mountain air is a truly rustic and unforgettable experience.
- Fonte Vetica is an emblem of Abruzzo’s wild beauty – dramatic landscapes, alpine meadows, and clean mountain air.
Travel Tip: Rent a car to reach this high-altitude paradise and consider pairing your visit with a hike among Campo Imperatore.
2. Sulmona – The Historic Confetti Pelino Factory
Next, Tucci visits Sulmona, home of the world-renowned Confetti Pelino, famous for their sugared almonds. He delves into the intricate and centuries-old process of making these colorful sweets.
Why it’s special:
- The factory has a rich history and even a museum dedicated to confetti.
- Sulmona’s charming streets and baroque architecture make it a must-visit.
Don’t miss: The Pelino Confetti Museum, where you can witness this sweet tradition in action.
3. Trabocco Mucchiola – The Trabocchi Coast
On the coast, Stanley enjoys a gourmet reinterpretation of Adriatic seafood inside a trabocco – a traditional wooden fishing machine once sung about by poet Gabriele d’Annunzio.
Why it’s special:
- It blends historic tradition with modern gastronomy.
- Dining in a trabocco is a sensory experience: waves beneath you, salt in the air, and fresh fish on your plate.
Local favorite: Try the octopus and black garlic dish featured in the episode, it’s both innovative and deeply rooted in local flavor.
4. Il Forno di Villa San Sebastiano – Tagliacozzo
In a tiny hamlet near Tagliacozzo, Tucci visits Lucia Tellone, who brought a 35-year-closed oven back to life. This stop highlights Abruzzo’s community spirit and resilience.
Why it’s special:
- It’s more than a bakery, it’s a community hub.
- The episode showcases how food preserves culture and brings people together.
Worth noting: This segment illustrates Abruzzo’s battle with depopulation and how local heroes are keeping their villages alive.
5. Senarica – The Home of Chef Danilo Cortellini
Tucci wraps his visit with a heartfelt segment in Senarica, home to London-based chef Danilo Cortellini, who returns to cook with his family.
Why it’s special:
- The sense of home and belonging is palpable.
- It’s a celebration of heritage, family, and food.
You’ll love: The blend of French flair and Italian tradition in their Sunday lunch spread.
What Makes Abruzzo a Hidden Gem?
Stanley Tucci in Abruzzo doesn’t just focus on food – it’s a full immersion into a way of life. This region’s charm lies in its contrasts: sea and mountains, gourmet and rustic, history and innovation.
- Dramatic landscapes: From the Apennine peaks to the Adriatic coastline, the natural beauty is staggering.
- Honest cuisine: Rooted in tradition, Abruzzese food is hearty, flavorful, and soulful.
- Warm hospitality: Locals still live by old-world values – community, hospitality, and pride.
For those dreaming of a slower, more meaningful life abroad, Abruzzo embodies authenticity. The spotlight from Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy finally gives this magical region the recognition it deserves.
Why We Choose to Call Abruzzo Home
Watching Stanley Tucci in Abruzzo felt personal. It captured everything we love about living here: the unspoiled nature, the close-knit communities, and the simple joy of a good meal shared with good people. If you’re considering a move abroad and value authenticity, connection, and beauty… Abruzzo might just steal your heart too.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple seeking new roots, or a family looking for space and quality of life, Abruzzo offers something deeply enriching. And now, thanks to Tucci’s spotlight, the world is finally paying attention.
FAQs Stanley Tucci’s Visit to Abruzzo
Where can I watch the episode of Stanley Tucci in Abruzzo?
You can stream the Abruzzo episode on Disney+ under the new title Tucci in Italy.
What food did Stanley Tucci eat in Abruzzo?
He tasted arrosticini at Rifugio Mucciante, gourmet seafood at Trabocco Mucchiola, and mutton stew prepared by the wild chef Davide Nanni, among others.
Which cities or villages in Abruzzo did Stanley Tucci visit?
He visited Fonte Vetica, Sulmona, The Trabocchi Coast, Villa San Sebastiano, and Senarica.
What makes the Abruzzo episode different from others?
It explores themes like migration, depopulation, and community resilience, alongside the region’s unique culinary traditions.
Is Abruzzo a good place to visit or live?
Absolutely. It’s affordable, scenic, and full of genuine culture. As shown in the show, it offers a slower, richer pace of life.
Final Thoughts: Why You Shouldn’t Miss “Stanley Tucci in Abruzzo”
Stanley Tucci’s exploration of Abruzzo is more than a travel show segment – it’s an invitation. It’s a reminder that Italy still holds untouched treasures waiting to be discovered. So whether you’re planning your next trip or dreaming of a new life abroad, let the episode guide your way.
Because now the world knows what we’ve known all along: Abruzzo is Italy’s best-kept secret.
