"Holiness, or sanctity, is in general the state of being holy (perceived by religious individuals as associated with the divine) or sacred (considered worthy of spiritual respect or devotion; or inspiring awe or reverence among believers in a given set of spiritual ideas). In other contexts, objects are often considered 'holy' or 'sacred' if used for spiritual purposes, such as the worship or service of gods. These terms can also be used in a non-spiritual or semi-spiritual context ("sacred truths" in a constitution). It is often ascribed to people ("a holy man" of religious occupation, "holy prophet" who is venerated by his followers), objects ("sacred artifact" that is worshipped), times ("holy days" of spiritual introspection, such as during winter holidays), or places ("sacred ground", "holy place")."
Interestingly the Catholic Encyclopedia does not offer a definition and uses "sacred" solely as an adjective ("Sacred" heart, "Sacred Office of Propaganda" etc.). Needless to say, the definition offered by Wikipedia is not as precise as those of a purely scientific bent might prefer, and there is a great deal of wiggle room in its usage.
Mircea Eliade was the scholar most closely linked to the study and analysis of sacred spaces and places, although that was far from the only aspect of religion he studied and wrote about. As is ever more frequently the case, the Wikipedia entry on Eliade is a useful starting point, for his writings, now a little out-of-date, are not easy reading for any but specialists.
As an interesting aside, there is a website called Sacred Space run by Irish Jesuits where the webmasters " invite you to make a 'Sacred Space' in your day, and spend ten minutes, praying here and now, as you sit at your computer, with the help of on-screen guidance and scripture chosen specially every day" a usage of the term having only a remote connection to the usage in this class!
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