Sikasso is the second largest city in Mali, lying in the south of the nation. The town was a small village until 1876 when Tieba , whose mother came from Sikasso, became King of the Kénédougou Empire and moved its capital there. He established his palace on the scared Mamelon hill (now home to a water tower).

The city withstood a long siege in 1887 - 8 but was taken by the French in 1898. Atractions include the large market, remains of the nineteenth century fortifications and the nearby Missirikoro Grotto .