# Matterhorn > mountain in the Pennine Alps on the border between Switzerland and Italy **Wikidata**: [Q1374](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1374) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matterhorn) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/matterhorn ## Summary The Matterhorn is a prominent mountain in the Pennine Alps, located on the border between Switzerland and Italy. It is one of the most iconic peaks in the Alps, known for its distinctive pyramidal shape and its cultural and geographical significance. It straddles the border between the Canton of Valais in Switzerland and the Aosta Valley in Italy. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: Mountain in the Pennine Alps - **Location**: On the Italy–Switzerland border, specifically between the Swiss Canton of Valais and Italy's Aosta Valley - **Coordinates**: Latitude 45.97638888888889, Longitude 7.658611111111111 - **Aliases**: Mont Cervin (French/Italian name) - **Elevation**: Not explicitly provided in source material, but it is a major alpine peak - **Notable For**: Its iconic pyramid shape, visibility from both sides of the border, and status as a globally recognized mountaineering destination - **Geopolitical Context**: Located in a sensitive border region, with access regulated by both Swiss and Italian authorities ## FAQs ### What is the Matterhorn? The Matterhorn is a mountain in the Pennine Alps, situated on the border between Switzerland and Italy. It is famous for its near-perfect pyramid shape and is a popular destination for mountaineers and tourists. ### Where is the Matterhorn located? The Matterhorn is located on the border between the Canton of Valais in Switzerland and the Aosta Valley in Italy. Its precise coordinates are latitude 45.97638888888889 and longitude 7.658611111111111. ### What is the official name of the Matterhorn in different languages? The mountain is known as "Matterhorn" in German and English, while in French and Italian, it is referred to as "Mont Cervin." ### Why is the Matterhorn significant? The Matterhorn is significant for its unique geography, cultural symbolism, and its position on the Swiss-Italian border. It is one of the most recognizable peaks in the Alps and attracts climbers and tourists from around the world. ### What is the origin of the name "Matterhorn"? The name "Matterhorn" is derived from the German words "Matte" (meadow) and "Horn" (peak), referring to the peak's location above the meadow and its horn-like shape. In French and Italian, it is known as "Mont Cervin," combining "Mont" (mountain) and "Cervin" (a name derived from the mountain’s deer-antler-like ridgelines). ### What is the elevation of the Matterhorn? The elevation of the Matterhorn is not explicitly provided in the source material, but it is one of the most challenging and famous peaks in the Alps, standing at 4,478 meters (14,692 ft) above sea level. ### What countries does the Matterhorn border? The Matterhorn is located on the border between Switzerland and Italy, specifically between the Swiss Canton of Valais and the Italian region of Aosta Valley. ### What is the Matterhorn's role in mountaineering? The Matterhorn is a globally recognized mountaineering destination, known for its technical climbing routes and the challenge it presents to climbers. It is also a symbol of the Alps and a major tourist attraction. ## Why It Matters The Matterhorn is one of the most iconic and recognizable mountains in the world due to its distinct pyramidal shape and its position straddling the Swiss-Italian border. It plays a significant role in alpine culture, mountaineering history, and cross-border geography. The mountain is also a symbol of the natural beauty and technical challenge that define the Alps, making it a key site for both tourism and mountaineering. ## Notable For - **Distinctive Shape**: The Matterhorn is famous for its near-perfect pyramid form, making it one of the most visually striking peaks in the Alps. - **Cultural and National Symbolism**: It is a symbol of both Switzerland and Italy, representing the shared and contested heritage of the Alpine region. - **Border Significance**: The mountain straddles the border between two nations, making it a unique geopolitical and natural landmark. - **Mountaineering Challenge**: It is a globally recognized climbing destination, known for its technical difficulty and historical significance in mountaineering. - **Tourist Attraction**: The Matterhorn draws thousands of climbers and tourists annually, contributing significantly to the local economy of both Switzerland and Italy. ## Body ### Geography and Location The Matterhorn is located in the Pennine Alps on the border between the Swiss Canton of Valais and the Italian Aosta Valley. Its coordinates are 45.97638888888889°N and 7.658611111111111°E. The mountain is part of the Italy–Switzerland border, which was formally established on March 17, 1861, coinciding with the inception of the Italian state. ### Name and Etymology The name "Matterhorn" is derived from the German words "Matte" (meadow) and "Horn" (peak), referring to the high-altitude meadow where it is visible. In French and Italian, it is known as "Mont Cervin," combining "Mont" (mountain) and "Cervin" (referring to its antler-like ridgelines). The mountain is also known for its iconic pyramid shape, which is a major draw for climbers and tourists. ### Geopolitical Context The Matterhorn is located on the border between two nations, making it a unique geopolitical landmark. The mountain is part of the border between Italy and Switzerland, with the Swiss side in the Canton of Valais and the Italian side in the Aosta Valley. This cross-border location makes it a symbol of both countries' shared and contested Alpine heritage. ### Mountaineering and Tourism The Matterhorn is one of the most recognizable peaks in the Alps, known for its technical climbing routes and its role in mountaineering history. It is a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of climbers and tourists annually. The mountain is also a symbol of natural beauty and a challenge for climbers, making it a key site for tourism and mountaineering. ### Cultural Significance The Matterhorn is a symbol of both Switzerland and Italy, representing the shared and contested heritage of the Alpine region. Its iconic shape and cross-border location make it a unique geopolitical and natural landmark. The mountain is also a major tourist attraction, contributing significantly to the local economy of both nations. ### Natural Features The Matterhorn is known for its near-perfect pyramid shape, making it one of the most visually striking peaks in the Alps. It is a symbol of the Alps and a major tourist attraction. The mountain is also a major destination for mountaineers, known for its technical climbing routes and historical significance. ### Related Entities - **Swiss Canton of Valais**: The Swiss side of the border where the Matterhorn is located. - **Italy's Aosta Valley**: The Italian side of the border where the Matterhorn is located. - **Mountain**: The general classification of the Matterhorn as a large natural elevation of the Earth's surface. ## References 1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 2. Virtual International Authority File 3. GeoNames 4. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20211125202730/http://w3.leica-geosystems.com/media/new/product_solution/matterhorn.pdf) 5. BabelNet 6. peakbagger.com 7. KBpedia