Rising to 4,478 metres above sea level, the Matterhorn is one of the most recognizable mountains in the world and a symbol of Switzerland. Straddling the border between Switzerland and Italy, its distinctive pyramidal shape has inspired mountaineers, artists, and travelers for generations. The first successful ascent in 1865 marked a defining moment in the history of Alpine exploration. Today, the mountain remains the centerpiece of the Zermatt region and one of the most celebrated landmarks in the European Alps.