an area where wild birds or animals are protected and encouraged to produce young 

safety and protection, especially for people who are in danger of being attacked or captured 

to seek/find/take sanctuary in a place

The government offered sanctuary to 4 000 refugees.

She longed for the sanctuary of her own home.

a safe place, especially one where people who are in danger of being attacked or captured can stay and be protected

The church became a sanctuary for the refugees.

It had been built as a sanctuary from World War II bombs.

a holy building or the part of it that is considered the most holy

the sanctuary of Poseidon at Sourvion

Women were forbidden to enter the sanctuary.

LEARNit Dictionary