Cervino

Cervino is the Italian name for the Matterhorn, one of the most iconic mountains of the Alps. It lies on the border between Switzerland and Italy, in the Pennine Alps, and dominates the surrounding valleys with its distinctive pyramid shape.

The peak reaches 4,478 meters (14,692 feet) above sea level, ranking among the highest Alps summits. It is renowned for its four steep faces and dramatic profile, which are visible from popular bases such as Zermatt in Switzerland and Breuil-Cervinia in Italy. The mountain has become a symbol of alpine scenery and mountaineering.

Naming varies by language. In Italian it is Cervino, in German Matterhorn, and in French Cervin. The Italian and French names reflect the mountain’s location and cultural significance across linguistic regions.

Climbing history notes that the first ascent occurred on July 14, 1865, led by Edward Whymper with a team that included guides. Four climbers died during the descent, making the ascent infamous in early mountaineering history. The standard route is the Hörnli ridge on the Swiss side, with other routes on the Italian side. The peak is known for variable weather, rockfall, and technical difficulty.

Today, the Matterhorn/Cervino remains a major attraction for alpinists and tourists alike. The adjacent ski areas around Zermatt and Breuil-Cervinia offer year-round access, including high-altitude lifts to glacier zones. The mountain’s silhouette continues to appear in photography, literature, and branding as a quintessential emblem of the Alps.