The Matterhorn is famous for its distinctive pyramid shape on the Switzerland–Italy border.
The peak rises to 4,478 metres in the Pennine Alps. Its four steep faces point toward the compass directions, creating the sharply symmetrical profile associated with the Swiss resort town of Zermatt.
Edward Whymper and his party made the first ascent in 1865. Four members died during the descent, giving the climb an important and tragic place in mountaineering history.
The Matterhorn is not the highest mountain in Switzerland or the Alps. Its fame comes from its isolated form, difficult ridges and powerful visual presence. On the Italian side it is called Cervino, while Matterhorn is the German name.