Zermatt, the Matterhorn and the Matter Valley

11 December 2021

The history of Zermatt im Mattertal dates back to the 13th century. In 1280, the village was first mentioned in a charter under the name “Pratobornum”.

The first German name was mentioned in documents from 1495 and 1544. The German names were “zer mat”, “zer Mat”, or “zur Matt”. “Zermatt” was the name in the 19th century.

In the 13th century, Zermatt was under the sovereignty of the Bishop of Sitten (Sion). One hundred fifteen families united to establish the first community on 25 January 1540.

France annexed the entire territory of today’s canton of Valais in 1810. In 1814, Valais gained its freedom as a republic and was able to join the Confederation in 1815. And then came (English) tourism. The Matterhorn (Le Cervin in French) had been there for millions of years, waiting for them.

Cicely Williams wrote in 1970:

“Tourism is a highly developed industry in Zermatt. Yet the village has retained its ancient charm, with its ageing chalets huddled in its centre, its nimble goats parading the streets, and its seasoned guides roaming the streets on summer evenings, searching for their clients. These, together with Swiss hospitality, draw people of all nationalities to the mountain village, which, par excellence, epitomises Switzerland” (Cicely Williams, A Church in the Alps, Zermatt 1970, 6th edition in 2006). And it still applies to this village, neighbouring settlements and the valley.