The famous Mount Matterhorn at the Italian-Swiss border, which is 4478 meters high, is lit every evening "as a sign of hope and solidarity" during this period, which is overshadowed by the epidemic of "Covid 19".
It appears on this mountain, which resembles a huge pyramid, and its image is decorated with the covers of the famous "Toblerone" chocolate, following the words "hope" and "solidarity" in English with the flags of Italy and Switzerland, in addition to a giant red heart on a white background.
Behind this initiative is the Swiss artist Jerry Hofstetter, who transforms buildings, monuments and landscapes all over the world into passing artwork. The Zermatt municipality broadcasts it directly on its website. The current work is expected to continue until April 19, the deadline for measures taken in Switzerland against Corona Virus.
"The idea is to do something fun for people around the world," Daniel Zugen, director of the Zermatt Tourism Board, told AFP. "Matterhorn is an important symbol for us and Switzerland, and it is a symbol that shines all over the world. When we illuminate a similar site, we think we give people hope."
But the village also wants to show that it is "in solidarity" with all the people who are suffering right now, and it is through these lights that it intends to thank everyone who helps overcome this crisis, such as the medical staff.
The new Corona virus, which appeared in China on December 31, has killed more than 52,000 people worldwide.
In Switzerland, more than 430 people have died since the first infection was discovered on February 24. With a population of 8.5 million, this country is the sixth most affected country in Europe in terms of the number of people affected, after Italy, Spain, Germany, France and the United Kingdom, according to the World Health Organization. To counter the epidemic, the Swiss government has ordered the closure of schools, cafes, restaurants and shops, and has banned gatherings of more than five people until April 19, but has refused to impose mandatory domestic quarantine on the population.
The initiative was launched by a Swiss artist who transformed international buildings into artwork.
The artwork continues illuminating the mountain until April 19.