Rodents occupy scaffolding around fountain.

The Trevi Fountain, one of Rome's most photographed monuments, has been overrun by rats, according to a report in Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.

Local residents say that the 18th-century Baroque monument, currently undergoing restoration work, hosts as many as 20 sewer rats every evening for the last six months.

The rodents, measuring up to 20-cm long, can be seen scuttling up and down the scaffolding around the fountain which has been empty of water since December.

Residents have reported the problem to city authorities and say the rats are attracted by bags of rubbish left out for collection by restaurants in the area.

The fountain's €2 million restoration project is being funded by Italian fashion house Fendi.

Photo Corriere della Sera