Sanctuary facts for kids

Santuario de Las Lajas, Ipiales, Colombia

Marguerite d'Youville Sanctuary, Province of Quebec, Canada.

A sanctuary is a special place. It can mean two main things. First, it is often a sacred or holy place. This might be a shrine or a temple where people go to worship.

Second, a sanctuary can be any place that offers safety. It is a safe haven for people or animals. This is why you might hear about different types of sanctuaries.

What is a Sanctuary?

A sanctuary is a place that provides protection. It can be a religious building or a safe spot for living things. The idea of a sanctuary is very old. It has been important in many cultures for a long time.

Religious Sanctuaries

Many religions have places they call sanctuaries. These are often the most important parts of a church, mosque, or temple. They are seen as holy ground. People go there to feel closer to their beliefs.

Places of Worship

• A shrine is a place where a holy person or event is remembered.
• A temple is a building used for religious worship.
• Many cathedrals and churches have a special area called a sanctuary. This area is usually near the altar.

Sanctuaries for Safety

The idea of a sanctuary grew to mean any safe place. If someone needed protection, they could go to a sanctuary. This was especially true in old times. People could find safety from danger or harm there.

Human Sanctuaries

Sometimes, people need a safe place to escape danger.

• A political sanctuary is a place where people can find safety from their government. This is for people who are in danger in their home country. They might be treated unfairly because of their beliefs.
• Historically, churches offered sanctuary. This meant that if someone entered a church, they could not be arrested. This rule was very important in the Middle Ages.

Animal and Plant Sanctuaries

Sanctuaries are also very important for nature.

• An animal sanctuary is a safe home for animals. These animals might be hurt, abandoned, or rescued. They live there without fear of hunting or harm.
• A plant sanctuary protects special plants. These places help save rare or endangered plant species. They make sure these plants can grow safely.

Images for kids

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  Sanctuary marker (S) at Holyrood Abbey, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

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  The sanctuary at St. Mary's Cathedral, Sydney

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  The back of the church sanctuary at Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew.

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  The Church as a Place of Refuge

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  Remains of one of four medieval stone boundary markers for the sanctuary of Saint John of Beverley in the East Riding of Yorkshire

See also

In Spanish: Santuario (edificio) para niños