On the background of the interconnected advancement in science and arts, the evolution of structureand meanings of Italian botanical gardens from the Middle Age and the late Renaissance is analysedin the light of the historically established relationship between such spaces and books. In describingtheir progressive becoming an open public space from their being originally enclosed within theperimeters of both the monastery and an idea of knowledge as a God’s gift, what is finally suggestedhere is an interpretation of botanical gardens as a metaphor of the relationships among knowledge,power and society. Being provided with a huge literature review, the paper is aimed at highlightingthe possible role of such unique urban space within contemporary cities.