Buona Sera,

  Ru

The buildings of Santo Stefano are pleasant but undistinguished. What is remarkable is the flood of bright colors that pours out of store fronts on the Palermo-Messina road. The hills around the town are a source of excellent clay which has made Santo Stefano the ceramics capital of Sicily. The main street is lined with merchants and manufacturers displaying all manner of beautiful and useful objects, from traditional to modern designs, from small plates to giant urns. The prices are some of the best to be found anywhere, clearly lower than those in more touristy destinations like Taormina, and only a fraction of those charged in the ritzy establishments of Florence or Siena. Shopkeepers in Santo Stefano are also glad to negotiate and offer substantial discounts for large purchases. When you barter, you are likely to be talking to the actual artisan who made the pieces. Pride of workmanship is apparent. No particular ceramics shop stands out above the others. There are a few which feature more modern pieces. The traditionalists have lots to choose from. Just remember to enjoy the views as you walk from shop to shop.  http://www.initaly.com/regions/hilltowns/sims.htm

http://sicilia.indettaglio.it/  more info about Sicilian ceramics

http://www.italyworldclub.com/

http://www.thejuicesqueezer.com/

Santo Stefano di Camastra