The case study of Alpe Cravariola, an Italian enclave in Swiss territory since 1874, offers insights into settlement dynamics and cultural perceptions of the alpine landscape. This research, part of the KORE project, adopts a multidisciplinary approach integrating rural archaeology, historical analysis with GIS, pedology, and drone-based remote sensing to document excavations and update cartography. The goal is to understand the evolution of high-altitude settlements from the 16th to the 21st century, highlighting their relationship with the lowlands. Alpe Cravariola, closely linked to valley villages, was crucial for local communities who undertook long journeys, sometimes up to eight hours on foot, driven by economic needs and a symbolic connection to mountain resources. The alpine pasture was not an isolated space but part of a broader territorial network where livestock farming played a fundamental role. Until the late 18th century, agriculture in the lowlands depended on high-altitude livestock farming, as winters lasted longer, and fresh grass was only available in late summer. The analysis of digitized and georeferenced historical maps, combined with archaeological data, reveals the transformation of alpine pastures: from productive spaces to transit areas and, eventually, tourist destinations. These territories were not only functional for pastoralism but also served as rest stops along trade routes. The “Sentiero degli Spalloni” (Spalloni Path) preserves traces of smuggling activities during and after World War II, testifying to the commercial use of the territory alongside its agro-pastoral role. Land use in these areas was regulated by complex access hierarchies, only partially reflected in current administrative structures. The seasonal and cyclical management of alpine spaces, including timber use and livestock farming, shaped human-environment interactions. Archaeology, by studying material traces, sheds light on land use dynamics over time. Oral testimonies provide insights into agro-pastoral practices and the cultural resilience of alpine populations, emphasizing the role of peripheral areas as historical and cultural nodes. Far from being marginal, these territories were central to economic and social networks that shaped the alpine world over the centuries.