distinctive of all Alpine peaks. The Matterhorn is a pyramidal-shaped colossus, standing at a
skyline-dominating 4478 metres (14,690 feet). Its four steep faces rise above the nearby glaciers and face
the four compass points, north, east, south and west. Although not the highest peak in the Alps its fame is
due to its almost impossible shape; an unusual landform with a summit that appears to extend over its north face,
making it look like a cobra about to strike.The Matterhorn's History
The formation of the Matterhorn (and the rest of the Alps) began some 50 to 60 million years ago when the African
and Eurasian tectonic plates collided, and layers of sedimentary rock that had formed in the seas between them were
thrust up above sea level. Experts suggest that the Matterhorn began as a rounded hill, but gained its distinct
pyramidal shape as a result of natural erosive forces over the last million years.
The first successful ascent of this iconic peak was on July 14, 1865 by a team led by English illustrator,
climber and explorer Edward Whymper. He had previously made several unsuccessful attempts on the summit.
The climb was marred by tragedy as four team members lost their lives in a fall just below the summit during
the descent. The second ascent occurred just three days after Whymper’s triumph, from the Italian side.
The mountain’s difficult north face wasn’t climbed until July 31 and August 1, 1931.
The Matterhorn’s north face overlooks the Swiss Zmutt Valley, whilst the south stands guard over
the Italian ski resort village of Breuil-Cervinia. The Theodul Pass, a trade route used by Ancient Romans and
Celts as early as 100BC connects the two destinations. Unknown to most, the Romans originally named the Matterhorn,
‘Mons Silvius’. In fact, it wasn’t until sometime during the 1500’s that Germans named the mountain, the Matterhorn,
derived from “matte” meaning meadow and “horn” meaning peak.
