This paper addresses the question of whether the public space can be neutral and the different meanings hidden in this expression. Following the different angles of analysis, the paper introduces the various approaches to the issue of public space: spatial, personal or institutional. Three case studies are taken into account in order to map the connotations of the expression public space in various sets of time and space. Dress codes, religiously oriented private schools and places of worship are considered such a privileged observatory as far as the study of the place of religion in the public space is concerned. Within the Western EU countries, the paper particularly focuses on Italy, France and UK over the issues concerning religiously oriented private schools and places of worship. As far as dress codes issue is concerned a more general overview is provided.