sanctum sanctorum
Innermost holy chamber
Sanctum sanctorum is the innermost, most sacred part of a temple or holy place—literally, the holy of holies.
By extension, it describes any private space where someone retreats and others are not welcome: His study was his sanctum sanctorum, off-limits even to family.
The Latin phrase doubles down on sacredness through repetition.
Sacred ritual table
- tabernaclePortable sacred dwelling
- shrineSacred devotional place
- templeSacred worship structure
- chapelSmall worship room
holy of holies · consecrated · hallowed · blessed · divine · venerated · sacrament · relic
Central essential portion
- heartCirculatory system's pump
- nucleusCentral controlling part
- inner chamberInnermost private room
- centerMiddle of anything
depths · interior · kernel · essence · quintessence · central · focal point · epicenter
Accessible to few
- arcaneUnderstood by few
- occultConcealed from view
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
- oracleAuthoritative wisdom source
divination · mantra · talisman · amulet · alchemy · transcendence · enigma · veiled
Shelter from danger
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- asylumShelter from persecution
- shelterProtected place or structure
- hideawaySecluded place of refuge
hermitage · safehouse · bolt-hole · harbor · oasis · solace · respite · protection
Exempt from criticism or harm
- sacrosanctRegarded as too important to alter
- protectedKept from harm
- impregnableImpossible to capture
- unbreachableImpossible to penetrate
secure · fortified · absolute · inviolate · unassailable · taboo · forbidden · restricted
Restricted to certain parties
- sequesteredRemoved from contact
- cloisteredSheltered from outside contact
- hiddenKept out of sight
- withdrawnEmotionally distant, disengaged
isolated · solitary · enclosed · restricted · off-limits · forbidden zone · exclusive · inaccessible
altar
Sacred ritual table
- tabernaclePortable sacred dwelling
- shrineSacred devotional place
- templeSacred worship structure
chapel · holy of holies · consecrated · hallowed · blessed · divine · venerated · sacrament · relic · pilgrimage
core
Central essential portion
- heartCirculatory system's pump
- nucleusCentral controlling part
- inner chamberInnermost private room
center · depths · interior · kernel · essence · quintessence · central · focal point · epicenter · foundation
esoteric
Accessible to few
oracle · divination · mantra · talisman · amulet · alchemy · transcendence · enigma · veiled · hidden knowledge
haven
Shelter from danger
hideaway · hermitage · safehouse · bolt-hole · harbor · oasis · solace · respite · protection · safe space
untouchable
Exempt from criticism or harm
- sacrosanctRegarded as too important to alter
- protectedKept from harm
- impregnableImpossible to capture
unbreachable · secure · fortified · absolute · inviolate · unassailable · taboo · forbidden · restricted · boundaries
private
Restricted to certain parties
- sequesteredRemoved from contact
- cloisteredSheltered from outside contact
- hiddenKept out of sight
withdrawn · isolated · solitary · enclosed · restricted · off-limits · forbidden zone · exclusive · inaccessible · sealed
- sanctuariessafe haven, haven, refuge, holy ground, nature reserve
sanctum sanctorumouter court
Peripheral enclosed space
narthex · vestibule · atrium · forecourt · antechamber
sanctum sanctorumtown square
Central civic space
commons · public space · open space · common room · thoroughfare
sanctum sanctorumcommon ground
Points of agreement
den of iniquity · hell · pit · abyss · underworld
sanctuary, sanction, sanctity, sanctum, sanctify, sanctions, sanctified, sanctification, sanctuaries