Sacrifice

Why does a place become sacred? When does a place become sacred? Who decides whether a sacred place has been violated? Why do we have sacred places? If sacred places and things are sacred because of their connection with god, is that not a contradiction of spiritual values? If a sacred place is violated and we are upset are we not then materialistic, vain, threatened and insecure. Do we need places and things to sustain the values that we impart to them?