Steelworks
By Michael Mueller
When Marta opened Steelworks in 1996, a piercing studio was an unusual sight in Barcelona. She’s still piercing all these years later at her space on Magdalenes off Via Laietana, with a roster of loyal clients. Tattoo artists joined the business in 2007 with resident tattooer Santi Cuevas, who works up geometric and dotwork styles.
Marta is scrupulous about safety, and will decline piercings that she don't think will work well. She does sensitive work like genital piercings and can help adjust or improve work done elsewhere; sometimes different jewelry is in order, for instance. She speaks several languages.
The shop sells jewelry as well, with regulars coming back to update their pieces. Inside, the space is calm and sleek, with music in the background. Piercing can be on a walk-in basis; tattoos require appointments.
Update (October 2026): this place is temporarily closed.