Talca (1998 pop. 187,745) is a city of Chile, the capital of Talca Province and VII Region of the Maule.

It was founded as San Agustín De Talca in 1692, and destroyed by earthquakes in 1742 and 1928, being rebuilt each time. In 1818 Bernardo O'Higgins proclaimed the independence of Chile in Talca.

The city is an important economic center, with both agriculture (wheat, wine) and manufacturing activities. It is also the location of the University of Talca .