Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
sanctuary (noun)1.
a consecrated place as
a) the ancient Hebrew temple at Jerusalem or its holy of holies
b) (1) the most sacred part of a religious building (as the part of a Christian church in which the altar is placed)
(2) the room in which general worship services are held
(3) a place (as a church or a temple) for worship
2.
a) (1) a place of refuge and protection
(2) a refuge for wildlife where predators are controlled and hunting is illegal
b) the immunity from law attached to a sanctuary
Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus
sanctuary (noun)1.
a place that is considered sacred (as within a religion)
SYNONIMS:
sanctuary, sanctumRELATED WORDS:
reliquary; martyry2.
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
SYNONIMS:
asylum, bolt-hole, harbor, harborage, haven, refuge, retreat, sanctuary, sanctumRELATED WORDS:
oasis; anchorage, mooring, port; cover, screen; abode, diggings, domicile, dwelling, habitation, house, housing, lodging, lodgment ( lodgement), pad, place, quarters, residence, rest, roof; cloister, closet, covert, den, hermitage, hideaway, hideout, lair; castle, fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, redoubt, stronghold; lean-to, lee, shed, windbreak