The Matterhorn forms the famous border landmark between Switzerland and Italy. Its summit reaches 4,478 metres in the Pennine Alps.
The mountain stands above Zermatt in Switzerland and Breuil-Cervinia in Italy. Its distinctive pyramid shape has four steep faces and four ridges, created by erosion of a resistant rock mass. The summit itself lies on the international border, and the mountain has separate German, Italian, and French names: Matterhorn, Cervino, and Mont Cervin.
The first successful ascent took place on 14 July 1865, led by Edward Whymper. The expedition reached the summit, but four members died during the descent when a rope broke. The Matterhorn is often confused with Mont Blanc because both are famous Alpine peaks; Mont Blanc is higher, while the Matterhorn is especially noted for its recognizable shape.