sanctuary

A place of safety, refuge, or protection.countableuncountable

• My car is a sanctuary, where none can disturb me except for people who cut me off.

An area set aside for protection.countableuncountable

• The bird sanctuary has strict restrictions on visitors so the birds aren't disturbed.

A state of being protected, asylum.countableuncountable

• The government granted sanctuary to the defector, protecting him from his former government.

The consecrated (or sacred) area of a church or temple around its tabernacle or altar.countableuncountable

• Near-synonym: chancel (broadly synonymous)