Abstract :   The continuous miniaturization in the storage media industry, as well as the desire to exploit the properties of quantum confined systems has recently stimulated large efforts in research involving the fabrication and characterization of nanoscale solid state systems. In this context, template synthesis offers a cost effective nanosynthesis method, with the additional benefit of easy scaling for large area patterning. Anodic alumina templates with high uniformity are successfully exploited to produce large arrays of transition metals nanowires. The magnetic properties of the obtained structures are compared against micromagnetic calculations in order to determine their magnetization reversal mechanism. The maximum coercivity field is found to be limited by magnetization nucleation and magnetostatic interactions between the nanowires.