Bahais unveil renovated shrine in Israel

Haifa, Israel - Followers of the Bahai faith have unveiled their newly renovated holy site on the coast of Israel, drawing attention to one of the Holy Land's lesser-known religions.

The work has refitted the Shrine of the Bab, first built in 1909 in the city of Haifa and recognized by the United Nations as a World Heritage site.

The structure's distinctive dome has been covered with 11,790 new gold-glazed porcelain tiles. The renovation, showcased on Tuesday, lasted two-and-a-half-years and cost $6 million.

The Bahai religion has roots in 19th century Iran. The man known to believers as the Bab, or "gate," and venerated as a prophet was executed for heresy in 1850 and later buried in Haifa.

The sect today claims between 5 million and 6 million adherents worldwide.