The
Matterhorn ( , , ) is a
mountain of the
Alps, straddling the
main watershed and border between
Switzerland and
Italy. It is a huge and near-symmetrical
pyramidal peak in the
Monte Rosa area of the
Pennine Alps, whose summit is high, making it
one of the highest summits in the Alps and
Europe. The four steep faces, rising above the surrounding glaciers, face the four compass points and are split by the Hörnli, Furggen, Leone and Zmutt ridges. The mountain overlooks the Swiss town of
Zermatt in the canton of
Valais to the north-east and the Italian town of
Breuil-Cervinia in the
Aosta Valley to the south. Just east of the Matterhorn is
Theodul Pass, the main passage between the two valleys on its north and south sides and a trade route since the
Roman Era.